Word of the Day
Heiligenschein
noun
a bright ring, caused by diffraction of light rays, that appears around the shadow cast by a person’s head on wet grass.
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More about Heiligenschein
Heiligenschein (plural Heiligenscheine) is from German, in which it means “halo” or, literally, “saint’s shine.” Heiligen- is a form of Heiliger, “saint,” which is related to English hallow and Halloween. Schein means the same thing as its English relative shine. Heiligenschein was first recorded in English in the early 1910s.
EXAMPLE OF HEILIGENSCHEIN USED IN A SENTENCE
The skydivers saw Heiligenscheine around their shadows as they landed in the dewy field.
proceleusmatic
adjective
inciting, animating, or inspiring.
Why Dictionary.com chose proceleusmatic
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More about proceleusmatic
Proceleusmatic comes from Ancient Greek prokeleusmatikós, the name of a unit of rhythm. The keleusma- part means “summons,” comes from keleúein, “to rouse to action, command,” and is the source of Spanish saloma, a rhythmic work song. Proceleusmatic was first recorded in English at the turn of the 18th century.
EXAMPLE OF PROCELEUSMATIC USED IN A SENTENCE
The proceleusmatic song motivated the rowers to push hard and in unison during their long practice.
quidnunc
noun
a person who is eager to know the latest news and gossip.
Why Dictionary.com chose quidnunc
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More about quidnunc
In Latin, quidnunc means “what now?” English wh- often corresponds to Latin qu-, which is how English what, who, and when are related to their Latin translations quid, quis, and quandō. Nunc is one of two Latin words for “now.” Quidnunc was first recorded in English at the turn of the 18th century.
EXAMPLE OF QUIDNUNC USED IN A SENTENCE
The quidnuncs spent hours on their phones each day as they checked all the media outlets for updates.